n. & v.
--n.
1. an owl's cry.
2 the sound made by a motor horn or a steam whistle.
3 a shout expressing scorn or disapproval; an inarticulate shout.
4 colloq. a laughter. b a cause of this.
5 (also two hoots) sl. anything at all (don't care a hoot; don't give a hoot; doesn't matter two hoots).
--v.
1. intr. a (of an owl) utter its cry. b (of a motor horn or steam whistle) make a hoot. c (often foll. by at) make loud sounds, esp. of scorn or disapproval or colloq. merriment (hooted with laughter).
2 tr. a assail with scornful shouts. b (often foll. by out, away) drive away by hooting.
3 tr. sound (a motor horn or steam whistle).
Etymology: ME huten (v.), perh. imit.